Polaristinnen

Polaristinnen is a German term for women who work in polar science and exploration. The word combines Polar- with the feminine suffix -innen to denote female practitioners in fields related to the polar regions. It can refer to researchers, engineers, technicians, and field explorers focusing on the Arctic and Antarctic, or on the polar environment more broadly.

Historically, polar science and exploration were dominated by men, but women's participation increased in the latter half of the 20th century and expanded with international research programs. Initiatives such as the International Polar Year have drawn attention to the work of Polaristinnen and promoted more inclusive teams and leadership opportunities in polar science.

Work and disciplines associated with Polaristinnen span glaciology, meteorology, oceanography, biology, geology, remote sensing, and environmental monitoring, as well as the engineering and logistics required to support field stations, ships, and aircraft in extreme environments. They contribute to climate research, biodiversity assessments, and the study of polar systems and their global connections.

Current polar research teams commonly include Polaristinnen at universities, government agencies, research institutes, and non-governmental organizations, both in the field and in labs. Despite progress, challenges persist, including historical gender biases, work-life balance in remote environments, safety concerns, and competitive funding. Ongoing efforts aim to improve representation, safety, and visibility of women's contributions to polar science and exploration.